Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.30.38
Poṣaṇa· The Lord's protectionReal Benediction Means Shelter of the Lord
“Dear Lord, by virtue of a moment’s association with Lord Śiva, who is very dear to You and who is Your most intimate friend, we were fortunate to attain You. You are the most expert physician, capable of treating the incurable disease of material existence. On account of our great fortune, we have been able to take shelter at Your lotus feet.”
What the purport teaches
- Through a moment’s association with Lord Śiva, the Pracetās attained the Supreme Lord’s shelter. The Lord is the most expert physician for the disease of material existence.
- Lord Śiva is the most exalted Vaiṣṇava. Those who truly follow his advice seek shelter at Lord Viṣṇu’s lotus feet rather than merely asking for material prosperity.
- Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the only supreme master; all others are His devotees or servants. The real benediction is His shelter, with the aim of returning home, back to Godhead.
Try this today
Offer a brief prayer today for shelter at the Lord’s lotus feet and the opportunity to serve Him, rather than for material gain.
Ask yourself
Do my prayers seek material prosperity or the lasting shelter of the Supreme Lord?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.